About the opportunity

Are you ready for your next career step? N26 is looking for a Credit Risk Modeling Manager to further develop the credit risk function at a cutting-edge technology-driven bank, spearheading the development of our analytical solutions and credit risk models for (Unsecured) Retail Lending, based on state-of-the-art methods and technology, as well as latest regulations in cooperation with leading business and tech experts, and taking a key role in assessing, controlling and reporting credit risks.

In this role you will

• Lead the evolution of credit risk models: Spearhead the development and refinement of N26s suite of (unsecured) retail credit risk models (e.g., PD, LGD, CCF, Debt-Servicing Coverage, Early Warning Systems) to support the bank's strategic growth and risk management excellence. Drive innovation in modeling techniques to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Own modeling methodologies and final selection: Direct the methodology design, execution of modeling and calibration processes, and evaluation of outcomes. Make final decisions on model selection, ensuring comprehensive documentation and justification of all modeling choices, in alignment with industry best practices and regulatory standards.
• Shape Credit Risk Management’s role in our Lending Product segment: Partner with Product, Data Science, and Machine Learning Engineers to integrate advanced credit risk solutions into the development of Lending Products, facilitating N26's expansion into new markets. Champion the role of Credit Risk Management in enabling business growth through accurate credit risk assessment and mitigation.
• Monitor and enhance the credit risk model landscape: Ensure continuous backtesting, monitoring, and improvement of credit risk models using the latest statistical and machine learning methodologies. Ensure models are responsive to dynamic market conditions and aligned with business objectives.
• Further develop comprehensive credit risk data platform: Oversee the construction and enhancement of a robust credit risk database leveraging both internal and external data sources. Use data with cutting-edge technologies and data analytics practices to automate and optimize credit decisioning, monitoring, and reporting processes.
• Ensure compliance and best practice adherence: Lead the adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks (e.g., MaRisk, GDPR, IFRS9) and industry best practices (e.g., EBA/ECB/BaFin guidelines) across all credit risk modeling activities. Ensure models and processes are compliant and reflective of the highest industry standards in all operational markets and segments.
• Lead and develop the credit risk modelers: Build, mentor, and manage high-performing individual contributors in the credit risk modeling space. Ensure the team is equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to excel in their roles, driving the bank's risk management capabilities forward. Foster a cross-functional culture of innovation, continuous learning, and excellence in modeling practices.

What you need to be successful

Background

• Quantitative academic background: You hold an MSc or PhD in a field such as applied mathematics, natural science, quantitative finance/economics, statistics/econometrics, or engineering, with excellent academic records.
• Subject-matter expertise in credit risk: You boast 5+ years of advanced experience in Credit Risk, preferably in leadership roles, with hands-on expertise in credit risk reporting, analytics, modeling, and validation.
• Comprehensive experience in retail credit risk models: You have built end-to-end retail credit risk models (PD/LGD/EAD), demonstrating a profound understanding of the data basis, model design, development, calibration, implementation, and monitoring processes.
• Deep knowledge of machine learning in credit scoring: Your experience extends to applying the latest advanced machine learning practices in credit scoring, including ensuring regulatory compliance (e.g., explainability, fairness) and have effectively navigated these considerations in a business context.
• Effective data management skills: Your background includes working with relational databases and a good understanding of cloud data warehouse technologies, underpinning your ability to manage and leverage data effectively in credit risk management.
• Solid credit business acumen: You possess a well-rounded understanding of the retail credit process, from origination to problem loan management, and are familiar with credit risk drivers in retail banking P&L. Your expertise includes a comprehensive grasp of credit portfolio management and loan loss provisioning, along with underlying IFRS9 requirements.

Skills

• Advanced methodological proficiency: Exceptional analytical skills and a strong foundation in statistical and Machine Learning methods, enhanced by advanced programming capabilities. A deep understanding of statistical modeling, hypothesis testing, and data analysis techniques is essential. Skilled in complex feature engineering, model selection, and optimization to enhance model performance. Deep understanding of model evaluation metrics specific to credit risk, such as data representativeness, discriminatory power, and calibration accuracy. Ability to innovate and apply cutting-edge machine learning algorithms to solve complex credit risk challenges.
• Expertise in SQL: Mastery over complex SQL queries, including efficient use of self-joins, window functions, and optimized query performance. Ability to write and execute advanced SQL code, capable of handling extensive datasets for in-depth analysis and model development.
• Advanced data manipulation and Machine Learning in Python: Proficient in using Python for sophisticated data wrangling tasks. Expert-level familiarity with pandas for data cleaning, transformation, integration, and visualization. Strong understanding of Python’s data structures and types to facilitate efficient data manipulation and preparation for model development. Ability to apply and challenge advanced machine learning techniques based on Python libraries like scikit-learn for credit risk modeling.
• Entrepreneurial leadership and strategic vision: Demonstrates an entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive and autonomous approach to problem-solving. Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide teams towards achieving strategic objectives.
• Adaptability and strategic project management: A hands-on approach with a proven track record of successfully managing and adapting to new challenges. Quick to understand new concepts and apply strategic thinking in project execution.
• Language proficiency: Fluent in English with excellent communication skills. Proficiency in German is considered an advantage

What’s in it for you:

• Accelerate your career growth by joining one of Europe’s most talked about disruptors 🚀.
• Employee benefits that range from a competitive personal development budget, work from home budget, discounts to fitness & wellness memberships, language apps and public transportation.
• As an N26 employee you will have access to a Premium subscription on your personal N26 bank account. As well as subscriptions for friends and family members.
• Vacation days vary depending on your location of work. Additional day of annual leave for each year of service.
• A high degree of autonomy and access to cutting edge technologies - all while working with a friendly team of peers of diverse nationalities, life experiences and family statuses.
• A relocation package with visa support for those who need it.

Who we are

N26 has reimagined banking for today’s digital world. Technology and design empower everything we do and it’s how we are building the global banking platform the world loves to use.

We've eliminated physical branches, paperwork, and hidden fees for an elegant digital experience and supreme savings. Giving people the power to live and bank their way is what gets us out of bed in the morning and inspires the work that we do.

Founded in 2013, N26 now has more than 8 million customers in 24 markets. We are headquartered in Berlin with offices in multiple cities across Europe, including Vienna and Barcelona, and a 1,500-strong team of more than 80 nationalities.

Sounds good? Apply now for this position.

N26 is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status.